: : I just recieved my hat back from HJ and they put the wrong ribbon on it again! It is the same width of the petersham but it is clearly not the right ribbon. First of all those of you that own a HJ hat with the petersham ribbon what is the material made out of? It looks to me to be almost leather in some of the photos I have seen. It appears to be rather smooth looking and shiny. The ribbon I recieved has lines that go up and down and is not the right color. Or is this the real thing? After receiving the wrong ribbon twice I'm a bit frustrated from what I have been told over the phone. However I'm very persistent so I guess I'll give them a call again.....

: : Shannon

: It's hard to tell without seeing it but the ribbon I have on my hat : also has this tiny vertical ribbing. It's pretty shiny as well so I : guess it's the same and yes, the color seems to be more black than a: very drak brown. The ribbon in the movies appears to be smooth but : after looking at several pictures and consulting some other hat : specialists I came to the conclusion that the ribbing was smoothened: by wear and distressment. Also the color may appear lighter but I must: agree with you though that the color is more black.: Anyway, you can call Herbert Johnson though if you still feel bad : about it, maybe they have or can get a better Petersham or a closer : replica.

: Regards,: -Max

I have a 1981 magazine with a terrific closeup cover picture showing Indy from the neck up. The ribbon on the hat clearly has the vertical lines you describe, and the ribbon is definitely some sort of fabric, not leather. As for the color, again, I think this is a result of the artificial weathering done on the hat, exposure to sunlight, water damage, and general wear and tear. People who have ordered Petersham from other sources also report a dark color that is closer to black than dark brown. I think you have the correct ribbon, and you'll have to adjust your expectations about the color. I'm going through the same thing, as I'm still struggling with the color of the hat itself, and whether I want to buy one.